State CapitalTallahassee was selected as Florida's capital in 1824. The city was a
compromise between two opposing groups; one faction rallied for Pensacola
in the west, while another faction allied themselves with St. Augustine in
the east. Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821, and remained so until
1845 when it was granted statehood.

State SealDescribed in the Resolution of Adoption, 1868: "A Seal
the size of an American silver dollar having in the centre a view of the
sun's rays over a highland in the distance, a Cocoa Tree (palm), a
steamboat on water and an Indian female scattering flowers in the
foreground encircled by the words: Great Seal of the
State of Florida: In God We Trust.
In 1985, the Great Seal was revised extensively. The Cocoa Palm was
replaced by a Sabal Palm, as the Legislature had prescribed in 1970, and a
Seminole Indian woman finally was represented on the Seal.

State FlagAdopted in 1899, the state flag is white, with the Seal
of the State in the centre. Red bars extend from each corner toward the
centre rim of the Seal.

State BirdThe mockingbird was chosen as the official bird of
Florida in 1927.

State ReptileThe alligator was chosen by the 1987 Legislature. Due to
fluctuations in the alligator population, Florida has sanctioned
"alligator season" for hunters state-wide.

State AnimalThe Florida Panther, a beautiful, strong animal, was
chosen as the State Animal in 1982.

State
Saltwater MammalThe state marine mammal, the manatee, is a grey, plant
eating, gentle giant (most grow between eight and fourteen feet!) that can
weigh up to a ton. The principal place the hulking manatee is found in the
United States is Florida. Notably, Blue Springs of Orange City hosts
migrating manatees each winter.

State DrinkNaturally enough, orange juice was proclaimed as the
official state liquid refreshment in 1967.

State TreeThe Sabal Palm was chosen in1953.

State FlowerThe Orange Blossom was adopted by the 1909 Legislature.

State PlayCross and Sword has been the official state play since
1973. The drama tells the story of the Spanish colonization of the
nation's first city, St. Augustine on the East Coast of Florida.

State Song"Old Folks at Home" ("Suwannee River") by Stephen
Foster, was chosen by the 1935 Legislature. Despite recent controversy
centred around "old south" or "racist" overtones in the historical tune,
the song remains Florida's state song.

State ShellThe Horse Conch, also known as the Giant Band Shell has
been Florida's official state shell since 1969. The shell is native to the
marine waters around Florida, and can grow to a length of two feet.

State Nickname"The Sunshine State," named by the 1970 Legislature.

State
Saltwater FishThe Sailfish was chosen as the official salt water fish
in 1975. Sailfish migrate southward as the weather cools in the north.
Florida Sail fishing is legendary, especially in the Ft. Pierce, Miami and
Keys areas during colder months.

State
Freshwater FishThe 1975 Legislature adopted the Florida Largemouth Bass
as the official state freshwater fish. One of America's prized game fish,
the Largemouth Bass seems to grow to unusually large size in Florida
waters. While concerns of "over fishing" have settled on certain lakes,
the Largemouth Bass is still plentiful in all freshwater regions of
Florida.

State StoneFlorida favours two stones. Agatized Coral is the first
state stone, found in three main Florida locations: Tampa Bay, the
Econfina River, and the Withlacoochee/Suwannee River beds.
The Moonstone was named the official state gem on May 8, 1970, exactly ten
months after Apollo 11 blasted off from Cape Kennedy in Brevard County
although strangely enough, Moonstone is not found in either Florida or the
Moon.

Looking for more about Florida? Become a Sunshine State expert at
www.myflorida.com,
which includes links to state government, businesses, sports, news,
communities and more. One
of the best Florida sites, full of interesting details and
information www.flausa.com